By a strange quirk of nomenclature, West Hill stands as the eastern most gateway to the City of Toronto.
Most visitors entering the city via the Kingston Road exit from the 401 have their sights set on the massive towers of the downtown core.
Lets take a moment to see what they may be passing by in their haste.
Today, as always, West Hill has much to offer---
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Reaching out toward the very centre of the community is the "Main Street" of West Hill, the
Kingston Road. The view here is from the railroad bridge at the Guildwood train station, looking
toward where Kingston Road forms a triangular intersection with Lawrence and Morningside to
form the Commercial Centre of the community. The City of Kingston was, for a time, the capital
of Canada and West Hill was one small community along the long route there from the City of
Toronto. The commercial backbone of the community, Kingston Road changes its personality several times
as it moves through the heart of West Hill.
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Here commerce gives way to trees and lawns, churches,
restaurants and motels. This is near the traditional centre of the community where the first homes in
the area were constructed and where the West Hill Hotel provided the only social life for miles around.
The hotel was torn down many years ago and, after remaining a vacant lot for decades, was replaced
by a modern housing development in 2001.
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The Kingston Road bridge across Highland Creek is the most distinctive feature of the eastern most
entrance to the City of Toronto from the 401 highway. West Hill is the first glimpse of the city for
travelers from the east. Its motels provide an opportunity to rest up from the drive, while its restaurants
offer a wide selection from elegant dining to fast foods.
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